"A major problem is the conservative interpretation of women's status in religion, which views women as a second, inferior sex. Women's presence in society is another challenge. The prevailing norms still see women's employment outside of the home as a shameful thing. On this view, women's work indicates a lack of honor for men."

"The underground mines that have been discovered in Afghanistan bring hope to all Afghans for a prosperous future. I hope that those mines will be operated effectively in accordance with international law in order to guarantee the economic future of the people of Afghanistan."

"Like most other Afghans, I am afraid of a return to the past, to that tension-fueled political, social and religious environment. For now, the positive cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community is keeping that at bay. But if this cooperation ends, we cannot rule out the possibility of returning to the dark days of the past."

"Schools are still being closed to girls today. They throw acid on girls, poison the water containers in girls' schools, and distribute clandestine newsletters mobilizing against families of the students and teachers. These are all indirect ways of closing the schools to girls."